(4) K-3 Cloverleaf Books: Off to School series. Illustrated by Mike Byrne. This overtly purposeful yet reader-friendly series (with varied but complementary illustration styles) features a diverse group of children experiencing different aspects of school life. Topics include the first and the one hundredth days, school employees, making friends, visiting the library, and taking the bus. Apple-shaped sidebars scattered throughout each book provide additional relevant information. Back matter includes a subject-tailored activity. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Cloverleaf Books: Off to School titles: Sofia's First Day of School, Who Works at Hannah's School?, William's 100th Day of School, Michael Makes Friends at School, Sam Visits the School Library, and Tanya Takes the School Bus.

Reviewer: Kari Allen

(4) K-3 Cloverleaf Books: Space Adventures series. Illustrated by Mike Byrne. This series combines bright, cartoony illustrations with slight framing stories both imaginative and fact-filled. In each title, a child narrates his or her imagined outer space adventure, including astronomical facts about the destination. The illustrations depict diverse characters of both genders. While contrived, the series' balance of science with fantasy is successful enough. Each book includes a simple activity. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Cloverleaf books: Space Adventures titles: To Mars!, To Planet Earth!, To the Stars!, To the Moon!, and To the Sun!.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Byrne. Joey uses an oversize cardboard box for pretend play. But the box is too big for his room, so Joey brings it to school and organizes a food drive. Though the cartoon illustrations lack intimacy and personality, Joey is an appealing character and the message to encourage imagination and charitable acts is admirable (if thinly veiled).

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) K-3 Cloverleaf Books: Money Basics series. Illustrated by Mike Byrne. This series features stories in which kids and their families learn about earning and saving money, buying and selling, and other personal finance issues. Although some of the math can get confusing, the realistic situations, well-explained concepts, and cartoony (if slick) illustrations are welcoming. Each book includes a related activity. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Money Basics titles: Brody Borrows Money, Gabriel Gets a Great Deal, Lily Learns About Wants and Needs, Kyle Keeps Track of Cash, Ella Earns Her Own Money, and Shanti Saves Her Money.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Cloverleaf Books: Money Basics series. Illustrated by Mike Byrne. This series features stories in which kids and their families learn about earning and saving money, buying and selling, and other personal finance issues. Although some of the math can get confusing, the realistic situations, well-explained concepts, and cartoony (if slick) illustrations are welcoming. Each book includes a related activity. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Money Basics titles: Brody Borrows Money, Gabriel Gets a Great Deal, Lily Learns About Wants and Needs, Kyle Keeps Track of Cash, Ella Earns Her Own Money, and Shanti Saves Her Money.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Mike Byrne. All the boys in Nate's class are dressing as superheroes for Purim, but Nate would rather be an alien. After his dads remind him to be himself, he thinks of a compromise. Expressing the message in terms of costume selection is a gentle choice, and the inclusion of gay dads is refreshingly incidental. Colorful but inexpert illustrations show off Nate's creative duds.

Reviewer: Rachel L. Smith